Lost Ones (The Extinct Race Series Book 3) (17 page)

“Perfect huh?” Zoe asked

“Oh so much so! Ok moms your turns!” Justine laughed

Chapter 30

A Royal Affair

The rest of the ladies put on their dresses with more tears and smiled than Zoe imagined. Marjorie was smiling at everyone, taking in all the praise and thanks for a job well done. All the dresses matched the races and each was similar, but different. There was leather in all the Fury dresses, but Etana looked like a warrior bride, where Tia and Camilla along with Makayla looked a bit more feminine and elegant. The Earth brides all had flowers or vines in theirs with emeralds and citrine gems stitched in. The Water brides were white with different shades of blue throughout the dresses. Shiloh’s was the most elegant out of the Water brides. She was quiet and soft spoken, but her personality was elegant and refined.

Ada had chosen not to be married at all; she and Leon had done one before many years before. Vivi and Alexi, however, looked gorgeous in white and red with garnet gems and lace. Out of the Onyx brides, Justine was the only one in black. The other three were done in different shades of black and grey with black diamond’s everywhere. The Fire bride’s all had similar skirts that looked like moving fire. The bodices were all stitched with the orange and yellow gems. Cara and Ava had orange sashes that tied either in a bow or flowed down the back.

The Pearls were stunning and looked like walking royalty. Zoe had the biggest skirt with the royal train and her tiara. Halina was a little less poof than Zoe and Iraina’s dress was a slim fitting mermaid cut, with a small train at the bottom in the back. Mary however, was in a baby blue princess dress, with diamonds stitched throughout and an ivory sash that tied in the back and flowed down the back.

When the girls were all ready Zoe asked Marjorie to go see if the men were ready and if so to send them outside. Marjorie walked out of the room and went down in the elevator, before she could step in Abby and Ben came running in. Ben was in a suit with a grey vest and tie. Abby was dressed in the same dress her mother wore, just a smaller version.

“Can we get married to Mommy?” Abby smiled up at her mom.

“Oh baby look at you, you look absolutely amazing.” Piper squealed and then the question registered to her. “Oh honey I think you need to wait just a little while longer.”

“I knew you was gonna say that. But it’s okies I get to walk down the aisle with Benny and throw out flowers.” Abby pouted a little

Zoe knelt down to Abby’s level and kissed her on the cheek. “Sweet girl, when you are old enough we will throw you a huge wedding. Nothing will stop me and that ok?”

“Ok. Oh, we came to get yous and take you all outside. Daddy got them to get the big trucks to bring you to the place.” Abby informed them.

“Thank you, sweetie” Zoe stood and turned to the women. “Okay Ladies, are you ready?”

“More than ready” Finley stated. “I can’t wait to see what Oliver is wearing.”

“Ditto on that, let’s go.” Justine smiled and walked out.

The women filed into the elevator a few at a time and once all were downstairs they headed outside to the waiting SUVs. They climbed in and headed out to the clearing. As soon as the trucks stopped the ladies filed out of the car and their men walked over to them. All of the men wore either black or grey tuxes and the vest’s all matched their woman’s dresses. All the men were teary eyed looking at their mates when they all felt a huge Pull.

They looked around and then to the sky. Coming from the mountain were two huge Pearl Dragons. Kaiden and Zoe stepped forward with Zach and Halina. Everyone else took a step back. The Dragons landed in front of the four of them and shifted. The woman was dressed in a flowing gown of ivory color and the man was wearing ivory cotton pants and shirt, but he looked elegant in them. The woman stepped forward and placed a crown of Pearls on Kaiden’s head. All were shocked by this, but Tia was the first to come out of that shock.

“How did you shift with clothes on?” Tia asked

“Hello Tia, I can’t teach you how, as it is a trick with the magic I have left. Zoe and Kaiden it is nice to see you again. I am very glad you found my journal.” The woman said

“Are you….?” Zoe stammered

“Yes I am Marsali and this is my mate Airic. I know you all thought we were dead, in fact we tried to die, but I can’t and my life force has kept Airic here too. I just wish it kept my children alive too. But you, Zach and your father are my blood. And Kaiden you look just like Briec. We came back to the cave long before you were born Kaiden. But we were not needed then. We had chosen to stay away until one of you asked for help. Zoe was asking for my help before she began to play and I am here to help now. We have been watching over you all this time and we are unsure of what is really happening. But, with the journal in your procession that means it is bad and then that missile hit.” Marsali responded. She watched everyone very carefully and lovingly.

“That was my father.” Vivi said

“Oh? It wasn’t just an accident?” Airic asked, standing more like Marsali’s guard than her mate. Zoe could tell he was very protective of her.

“No it wasn’t and we could use your help with a spell so that objects that are meant to harm us cannot enter the barrier.” Zoe stated

“I will help you in any way that I can, but for now we are all dressed up for a wedding correct?” Marsali asked

“We are. Would you like to join us?” Zoe asked

“I would like to watch, yes.” Marsali said

Ben and Abby led Marsali and Airic to a seat and then they started the ceremony. Everyone urged Kaiden and Zoe to go first. Kaiden went to the gazebo and Marcus walked Zoe down the aisle. When Zoe got to the opening she was shocked to see everyone that lived within the border seated in the seats or standing along the sides. After they said their vows Marcus walked Halina down the aisle. Then he and Iraina said their vows. Carmine walked Alex down the aisle and then Cara after. He and Ava went last.

Sebastian walked Tia down the aisle and then he and Camilla said their vows. Colby and Makayla walked each other down the aisle and Charles and Etana did the same. Kendal walked Finley down and then he and Emery said their vows. Jaco and Shiloh went after them and then Conner and Delany. Bristol and Harley took their vows last. Gosha walked Vivi down the aisle and then he and Alexi exchanged vows.

Morgan asked Paulo to walk her down the aisle and after them Paulo also walked Aubry down to Adam. Then Paulo and Cassie walked down the aisle together. Brad walked Justine down and then he and Monica said their vows. Gabe walked his mother Rosa down the aisle. Ben walked Piper down the aisle to Aidan. When all the Dragons said their vows and they were done, Gabe walked Mary down the aisle to Mateo.

None of the women really paid attention to their rings until Justine shrieked at the ring that was on her finger when it was all over. Her ring was platinum with a giant black diamond surrounded by small purple diamonds. Zoe had asked Marjorie to ask the jeweler to make sure that all the rings matched the gems on each dress. Zoe looked down at her ring and sure enough her ring matched her dress. She smiled and looked over to Marjorie and mouthed a “thank you” to her.

When they were all done they went back to the house and brought Marsali and Airic with them. They preferred to walk rather than ride in the truck. The men walked with Marsali and Airic while the ladies did not want to ruin their dresses. The girls in the house had placed champagne and glasses along with fresh fruit all over the table. Most of the ladies were in no hurry to take of their dress.

When the men came is Marsali led a toast to the health and love of this Sect. When she was done she looked over everyone and smiled.

“I am very proud of all of you. I created you out of love and I must say that this group is the perfect example of that love. Now please tell me what is happening?” Marsali asked not beating around the bush. Kaiden took the lead and told her about Aldrich and what has been happening for the last twenty four years and then about all the babies in the house and the children that died. She looked around at everyone then with a determined look on her face. She looked right at Arthur squinting in his direction. “You are human.” She stated and he nodded. “What you told them was correct they will need all the last ones born with the abilities.”

“But we can’t have them all. Ben and Abby are just kids.” Rosa said

“Yes and they will be there and we will help. With my residual magic, we will stand in as the dragon part needed. But the three couples will need to go turn. For now let me get to know you all.” Marsali smiled

They each took turns talking to the couple and sometimes in groups. Dinner was brought out about an hour later and the girls all rushed to change. They all carefully placed the dresses back into the bags and then carried them to their own rooms. At dinner they talked more and brought Marsali up to speed on the past. A huge wedding cake was brought out at dessert and the kids all had cupcakes.

Donny and Alex were the first to disappear Finley and Oliver snuck out soon after them. Morgan and Quinn went to their room about thirty minutes after Finley and Oliver. The kids were all getting sleepy so others took them upstairs to bed. Zoe took Lily to her bed and Marsali followed her.

“You are going to make a very good mother.” Marsali told her

“Thank you. I fell in love with her instantly and just had to keep her.” Zoe admitted

“That is how I felt with Briec and Neala. I miss them dearly.”

“Why do you think Aldrich is doing this to us?”

“He sounds like an ancient Blood Dragon. They all thought they were better than the others.”

“Do you think he is sick or just evil?”

“I wouldn’t know anymore. My abilities for those things passed when you all were born. You all have special abilities. Kaiden is a leader, his intuition is always right. You get answers through the use of the guitar. Little Abby seems someone’s true nature. Ben can communicate with all animals. Zach can feel people emotion. Halina has not figured her out yet, but she is going to have a shocking touch soon. Alex is able to block the pull while her mate Donny is able to control fire even though he is still technically human. Oliver can cloak himself and Finley has the weather. Morgan can create food anywhere as long as there is dirt. Quinn can tell is someone is healthy or sick. Vivi has a built in lie detector and Christian feels intent. Tia has super speed and John has super strength, although he hasn’t figured that out yet. So with all my abilities gone Quinn is going to be the only one that can tell you if he is sick or just evil.”

“But you said you have some magic left.”

“Yes I do and I feel that it is what is keeping me alive.”

“And this spell?”

“It might take the last of my magic from me.”

“So you might die by doing this spell for us?”

“I would gladly die to keep you all safe Zoe.”

“But I don’t want you to die. I have so many questions for you.”

“Then I will answer them all before we do this spell. Now I think we have six new Dragons to take for a flight.”

“OH! I feel them too!”

Chapter 31

Questions and Answers

Finley and Quinn were the first outside. Morgan and Quinn were right on their heels though. Everyone in the house started making their way outside once they saw the two couples run out. But, before half of the group could make it out the door Alex and Donny came barreling down the stairs and rushed the first group of people. Zoe and Marsali managed to be the last ones out the door and everyone was waiting for them. No one had taken flight, but there were definitely six Dragons that could not wait. Marsali looked to the front and smiled. Airic stood there next to Marcus, his great-great-great-grandson. There were more greats in there, but they were all unsure of exactly how many. Marsali and Airic could just smell their blood within Marcus, Zoe and Zach.

Marsali and Zoe walked to the front and everyone stripped their clothing except for Marsali and Airic. Zoe smiled at Marsali and then nodded to Zach. Within seconds she and Zach had shifted. Marsali laughed and her laugh sounded like chimes on the wind. She nodded to Zoe with a smile, her and Airic shifted within seconds also. Everyone looked to them stunned, before they had only seen Zoe and Zach shift that fast.

It took a couple more minutes and then everyone had shifted. Zoe looked to the door and saw Mary and Mateo watching along with Arthur and his children. Ella and Jonah stood there in shock. Justine walked over to the boy and Mary asked him if he wanted to ride on Justine’s back. Jonah ran to Justine and started to climb. Arthur laughed and walked over to help his son up on her back. He then turned to Ella when Gabe walked up next to Justine. Elle refused and took a step back. Abby had come out the front door and looked to Ella.

“You don’t need to be scared. I am gonna grow ups and look just like that. You don’t have to ride his back eithers. He can carry you in his arms. See I show you.” Abby explained and then walked over to Gabe and he scooped her into his arms and held her close to his body. Abby giggled and then wiggled to get down. She ran over to her father then and he scooped her up into his arms. Ben stood next to Ella and coaxed her forward. Gabe held out his arms and Ella stepped forward although a little reluctant. Gabe went slowly so that she wouldn’t freak out and stood there with her until her little body relaxed. Then Ben walked over to his father and climbed up on his back.

After everyone was ready and back facing forward Zoe let Marsali take the lead and soon they were all flying. She took them all around the mountain and then over the cliff to the water. Finley and Oliver flew into the water with the rest of the Water Dragons and they followed the rest of the group from underwater. When Marsali turned to head up the cliff they all came back up out of the water. She then headed to the forest and the border of their land. She took them around a few more times and then they all landed at the clearing once again.

After they were all dresses again they headed back inside. Zoe and Kaiden set a fire in the fire pit and Marsali asked that the last ones born sit around the fire.

“Everyone else may stay, but I want the ones involved sitting around the fire. Zoe has mentioned that she has some questions for me and I would like to have all of those answered before we do this spell.” Marsali instructed

“Marsali and I had a talk while we were putting Lily down. She hinted that this spell might take away the rest of her magic, the magic that is keeping her and Airic alive.” Zoe spoke up

“Which, I am happy to do. I have been alive thousands of years and I would like to finally rest. Airic and I have not been able to have children since our last child. It is time for us to go.”

“But you just got heres.” Abby pouted

“Oh honey, look at me. What color am I?

“All of them.” Abby responded

“Yes I am, but how do the colors look?

“Like they are running away, they aren’t bright like everyone else’s.”

“Exactly baby. I am tired. No one should live this long.”

“So you want to sleep?” Abby asked

“Yes baby I want to sleep.”

“You can use my bed.” Abby smiled

“Thank you honey, now is there anything any of you would like to know?” Marsali asked

“Why did you wait so long to come back?” Kaiden asks

“Well Kaiden we went to die, we went far away where there was no one else. When we didn’t die we traveled the world. We never let anyone know who we were and we just quietly watched. I was able to cloak us both until Alex was born and the ability passed to her. But by then we were already back here on the mountain Airic was born on and the mountain I chose to call home. I had spelled the cave when I first found it so we were cloaked the whole time we were in there. As soon as you and Zoe found the cave again we both knew she was our blood. We wanted to show ourselves then, but the journal chose that moment to show itself and I knew great trouble was ahead. Airic and I talked it over for weeks and decided that we would wait until you asked for help. You were absolutely right to go out and find the last born ones and bring them home. This land is your birthplace and it will heal you.” Marsali replied

“What do you think is wrong with Aldrich?” Alexi asked

“Well from what you all have told me, he sounds like an ancient. Meaning, when it was just us Dragons as you all know, we killed each other to gain magic. Because the Blood Dragons can heal or kill with their hands with just a thought, they thought they were the most powerful. Being born as a Pearl we automatically knew we were the stronger though. We are the only ones who can make another. We also had all the abilities you” she gestured around to the last born “have, but combined into one person.” Marsali responded

“What is my ability?” Halina asked

“That dear will come to you when you need it most. I have informed Zoe and I am not asking her to keep secrets, but your abilities come to you when you need them most. So if she would like to share that is up to her. I am a bit more mischievous and like surprises.”

“Well that’s obviously a DNA thing. Zoe and Zach do it all the time with their surprises and secrets.” Halina joked

“Marcus is the same way.” Iraina stated

“What was it like creating us?” Finley asked

“It was a decision that took some time for me. I knew I was the last of my kind and would die alone. I watched Briec and Neala during that time. I watched them with the rest of the villagers. How they interacted with the children and all the adults. I saw something that I had never had in my lifetime and I wanted it. I became so jealous of what they had that when I made myself look human, I made sure to look seductive and well prettier than Neala. But when I talked to the both of them together, I realized that I could not steal their love, it was a solid thing and so I asked to join them instead. I made sure that when I went back to the cave that night that I wrote that kind of love into the spell. I wanted all the soul mates to have a solid love that nothing could break. Briec and Neala were also unable to conceive. When I watched them I assumed that their kids had grown. So for my pettiness I made sure they would be able to have children.”

“Also, when I asked to join I asked them to give me a mate and they did. At first I was weary, Airic is a great man, but he isn’t one for conversation as you can tell. But I silently accepted it and performed the spell. At first I didn’t feel anything and felt a little dizzy. I even forgot to tell them how to change.”

“She was not dizzy, the woman passed out as soon as I got back from telling Briec how to change.” Airic said. Everyone looked to him because that was the most they had heard come out of his mouth.

“Yes well I was tired after the spell it did drain all but a little of my magic. But the next morning was the best of my life. I felt the Pull to Airic and the love was overwhelming. We made love that morning and Airic turned into his Dragon. And as you all saw, we are bigger than everyone else. I take my true form and because he was tied to me, he was larger too. Our children were as large as us, but over time got a bit smaller and stopped at the size of your Dragons. We had a very happy life and I have not regretted my decision at all. I am very glad I made the fail-safe spell also. If not for my past I fear I would have never thought of it and you would not be here today.” Marsali finished and took a drink of wine that Mary had brought out.

“When you turned the originals were they a family or a Sect?” Iraina asked

“We were a family, just like what Kaiden and Zoe have done. I am not sure where the Sect thing came from, but I am a little ashamed of the Pearls who acted like dictators. But the past always comes back and the power tends to go to some people’s heads. I am very proud of the people you all have become. This love and family is how I meant for you all to be.”

“I am very proud of them too.” Marcus smiled at Zoe and Kaiden

“Thanks Dad” Zoe smiled

“What do you think will happen once we perform this spell?” Kaiden asked

“I think that both Airic and I will die or nothing will happen, but the spell.”

“I am very thankful that you have come to us in our time of need. I am also very glad that you made us who we are. I wouldn’t want any other life than the one I have with Zoe.” Kaiden said

“You are most welcome Kaiden. Now I have told you our story and I wish to know all of yours.” Marsali asked the group. Kaiden went first and then around the room they went for the next two hours. Marsali was saddened by their stories, but she knew the land would heal them over time. Ben and Abby had both fallen asleep after Justine had told her story. When Etana finished telling hers, she was the last, Marsali stood.

“I am ready to do this spell if you guys are. We don’t need to wake them, just carry them outside. When we get outside we will all need to hold hands or touch. Pearls in the middle with Abby and Ben next to them, Airic and I will stand behind the young ones. Zoe and Zach do not concentrate on finding your magic. It is there and will flow more freely if you just relax. Are you all ready?” Marsali asked

“Yes” they all said together as Marsali scooped up Abby and Airic did the same with Ben. They walked out into the clearing and got in a line. Marsali took a show off of Abby and then one of Ben’s as well. She positioned the sleeping kids head to heat with their hands resting on one another and their exposed foot to the one next to them. Zoe decided to sit so that she could reach the small girls foot. Eventually they all sat so that they were more comfortable. Marsali placed her hand over Abby’s foot and Zoe’s hand. Her other hand went to the heads of the sleeping children where Airic’s hand was. Marsali nodded once she felt the connection of all of them touching. Marsali worked her spells by humming and soon everyone was humming with her.

The Magic swirled in the colors of the races. Zoe had her eyes closed while she hummed as the wind brushed her cheek she looked up. The group took a collective gasp between the humming. They watched as the magic swirled around them in a rainbow of colors.

“Finley please create a little wind and send it up.” Marsali asked

Finley took a deep breath and concentrated on just wind, like her and Zach had been working on. The breeze came and lifted it up into the air.

“Higher” Marsali commanded and Finley made it go higher. “That is good, now Halina it is your turn. Let go of one hand and point it up. We need to seal it to the other spell.” Halina looked over confused but did as she was told.

Halina wasn’t sure what was going to happen so she just relaxed and held her hand to the sky. Within moments lightning was shooting from her hands and into the air. It hit the border and crackled down from the top. The group looked awed as they watched the swirl of colors and the lightning effect of Halina’s ability absorb into one solid thing.

When it was done there was a rainbow of color in a huge circle around the land. It now looked solid as a wall. Like someone had taken a giant glass bowl, swirled some color in it, then tipped it over them all trapping them inside.

Everyone was so amazed at the giant bowl that they did not see Marsali and Airic collapse.